London - Queen Elizabeth set out Prime
Minister Boris Johnson's agenda for his government on Monday,
including an Oct. 31 Brexit, a new deal with the European Union,
and a host of domestic policies designed to win over voters
ahead of an expected election.
The so-called Queen's Speech is the highlight of a day of
elaborate pageantry in Westminster and is used to detail all the
bills the government wants to enact in the coming year. It is
written for the 93-year old monarch by the government.
But, with Brexit in the balance before a crucial week of
talks, and an unpredictable election likely in the near future,
rival parties said Johnson was misusing the politically-neutral
queen by asking her to set out his election agenda.
The speech and accompanying notes set out an overview of
more than 20 bills, including the legislation that is required
to implement a Brexit deal - if Johnson is able to reach
agreement with the EU this week.
"My government's priority has always been to secure the
United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on 31
October," the queen said from parliament's gilded House of Lords
debating chamber.
"My government intends to work towards a new partnership
with the European Union, based on free trade and friendly
cooperation".
Queen Elizabeth II travels in a carriage to parliament for the official State Opening of Parliament in London. Picture: Frank Augstein/AP
The government's plans included an outline of Johnson's
proposed post-Brexit immigration system, criminal justice
reforms, healthcare changes, and a promise to invest more from
the public purse to stimulate growth.
"People are tired of stasis, gridlock and waiting for
change," Johnson said in a written statement accompanying the
speech. "And they don't want to wait any longer to get Brexit
done."
Lady Usher of the Black Rod Sarah Clarke takes part in the official State Opening of Parliament in London. Picture: Paul Ellis/Pool via AP
But Johnson's political future and his ability to implement
any of this agenda is highly uncertain. He runs a minority
government and has been unable to win a single vote in
parliament since taking power in July.
All parties want an early election, but disagree over when
it should be held.
The crown of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is carried to the official State Opening of Parliament in London. Picture: Hannah McKay/Pool via AP
The opposition Labour Party said the queen was being used to
promote a Conservative Party election manifesto.
"What we’ve got in effect is a party political broadcast
from the steps of the throne," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said
in a Sky News interview broadcast on Sunday.
Guests in the House of Lords await the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II for the official State Opening of Parliament in London. Picture: Toby Melville/Pool via AP
The speech is now subject to several days of debate,
concluding with votes to approve it. While not an official vote
of confidence, these could be used to further destabilise
Johnson's position.